Constantine the Great was crowned Emperor of Rome whilst visiting the city with his father, Constantius Chlorus, in AD306. His father died in York and Constantine was immediately proclaimed Emperor by the legions. Constantine returned to Rome to assume his position which was actually disputed by others, including his brother-in-law Maxentius, until AD324. Constantine famously converted to Christianity after seeing a vision of Christ on the cross and was partially responsible for its acceptance by Romans. The statue commemorates York’s unique association with this key figure in European history.